Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Lovestruck Novice Welcomes Diana Cosby!!!



Welcome back, TLN'ers!!

Today is a very special day! One of my all time favorite peeps is visiting the TLN Hot Seat! Ahh!! I'm so excited!

I met DIANA COSBY via Facebook. I loved the premise of her MacGruder Brother Series and decided to review HIS WOMAN for her. Since then, Diana has become a much loved friend and a person I look to when the writing gets tough. She's so very generous with her time and never fails to dust off my worries and set me back to rights. What's more, she hooked me up with Kim of
SOS America who kindly showed My Hubs and I around Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Force Base when we were in Honolulu back in April.

HIS CONQUEST, Book Three in the series, hits bookshelves in November. What better way to ring in colder weather than by keeping warm with a hunky Highlander in your hands?!

Hope you've got a sweet treat on hand and your cup topped off, because we're definitely diving into the good stuff!


1)If you were a book, what would your blurb be?

Diana Cosby is determined to be a New York Times Best-Selling author as well as Sponsor a house for Habitat For Humanity and aid numerous other charities. She is blessed by the ability to craft stories, and looks forward to meeting the many characters to come as well as people whom her stories have touched.

2)Using three words, describe your voice.

~strong, melodic, and evocative.

3)Tell us a little about your journey to publication. What was your favorite aspect of the trek?

~I'm a retired Navy chief. While stationed in Hawaii, as an avid reader and hopeful author, I took a creative writing course at the University of Hawaii. I struggled with the course, and finally the light began to turn on with my writing the final essay. Except, after I turned the paper in, my teacher was convinced that I wasn't the author. So, he wrote on the top, "Whoever wrote this paper gets an A-, and you get a D+." I was devastated that he thought I'd have someone else craft my work, and I set aside my hopes of writing and focused on my career.

Years later after I retired, I still had the desire write. So, I again started and discovered that I loved writing and I've never looked back. A wonderful lesson I learned is the power of words, how they can hurt or help, the choice is up to the author. For me, I cherish the gift of story with my goal to make a positive difference in others lives and to encourage them to pursue their dreams.

My favorite aspect of the trek?

The people, my family, my friends, those whom I've met, those who I will meet in the future.


4)Novice to Published Author: How have you grown as a writer?

~Finding clarity of my voice, confidence in my abilities of story, and understanding a word's placement as well as impact.

5)Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? Something maybe you wished you might have known back then?

~I wish someone had told me to focus both on writing as marketing, and to follow your heart on both, and to never settle, ever.


6)How do you structure your writing? Are you a pantser or a plotter?

~I'm a major plotter, which means I write the synopsis first and have the major story points plotted out before I begin.

Last, what sort of goals do you set for yourself when starting a project?

~When I'm writing new pages, I write five pages per day. Each day I go back and review the scene and edit up before I write new pages. This allows me to tighten as I go and end up with a fairly clean rough draft.

7)What's up next for you?

~I'm waiting to hear if my editor will pick up books #5 & 6 in the MacGruder brothers series. :)

Paragraph from back cover of His Conquest:

Seathan MacGruder, Earl of Grey, is not unused to cheating death. But even this legendary Scottish warrior is surprised when a beautiful Englishwoman creeps to his cell and offers him his freedom. What Linet wants in exchange, though—safe passage to the Highlands—is a steep price to pay. For the only thing more dangerous than the journey through embattled Scotland is the desire that smolders between these two fugitives the first time they touch . . .

News:
~I'm thrilled to share that I will be signing my books at the 25th Annual Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games in June, 2011 at Maverick Stadium at UTA in Arlington, Texas. I'm also planning a July 2012 book signing tour in Scotland! :)



All I can say is, "TAKE ME!" I've been wanting to experience both Scotland and a Highland Festival forever. *sigh* Talk about a fantastic voyage especially if trekking about with my pal, Diana! :)

I'd like to thank Diana for letting me interview her. It was a real treat, that's for sure! If you'd like to know more about Diana Cosby and her books, please hop on over to her beautiful website: http://www.dianacosby.com/index.html

THANK YOU, TLN'ers!! With the weather finally being kind to me, I'm lovin' life, so how about a classic to send us into the weekend? Here's
CCR and DOWN ON THE CORNER! It's one of my favs and such a fun toe-tapper, too. Have an awesome weekend!!!

24 comments:

Diana Cosby said...

Good morning, Sarah, my sincere thanks for the wonderful interview. I believe anyone's dream can come true, they need to define what their dream is, break it down into viable steps and persevere.

Take care and I hope you enjoy this last weekend of summer! *Hugs*
Sincerely,

Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Stephanie Burkhart said...

Diana and Sarah, what a great interview. Diana, you have such a rich background. How long where you in the Navy? What places did you see?

My friends goes to the Highland Games every year in NH and has a blast. I've been trying to fit it in here (I'm in California) but it's tough with my schedule.

Your book sounds great and I'm a sucker for historicals.

Smiles
Steph

Nancy said...

Hi Sarah and Diana!

What a wonderful interview! I'm blessed to know Diana thru writing, and adore her books. And, Sarah, you're so right about Diana being generous with her time and talents!

BTW, Sarah, I adore Regencies, so keep writing!

Light,
Nancy Haddock
www.nancyhaddock.com

Diana Cosby said...

StephB said... Diana and Sarah, what a great interview.

~Hi Steph, thank you very much for stopping by to say hi. Sarah is a fun person and I always enjoy spending time with her and appreciate her wonderful interview.

Diana, you have such a rich background. How long where you in the Navy?

~I retired from the Navy after 18 years 3 months with a program in place for a time as I had three young kids at the time.

What places did you see?

~I'm also a military brat, which means my dad is retired from the service as well. So, I began moving as a baby. From Maryland, I went to England, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, Florida, Virginia, Illinois, Alaska, Texas, Hawaii, Guam, Spain, and several 3 month or less trips that include Midway Island and Treasure Island near San Francisco. I had several internal moves within these various places, which is where the number of my moves add up to 32. :) This isn't counting the numerous places I visited while living in these states/countries, including doing a tour of some of the Far East as well as Western Europe. :)

My friends goes to the Highland Games every year in NH and has a blast. I've been trying to fit it in here (I'm in California) but it's tough with my schedule.

~I'm super excited and am super psyched. :) Where in NH is your friend from? That's where I swore into the Navy at a couple of years ago. *G*

Your book sounds great and I'm a sucker for historicals.

~Thank you so much, I love the Braveheart time frame that the MacGruder brothers live in. It's fascinating and filled with such amazing history as amazing people. I've researched this era about ten years now, and I'm only getting warm. Love it! If you're interested, excerpts from my first three books as order information can be found at:
http://www.dianacosby.com/books.html

Smiles

~:) My sincere thanks again for stopping by. Enjoy this last weekend of summer, and I wish you the very best.
Sincerely,

Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Caroline Clemmons said...

Diana, I can hardly wait to read HIS CONQUEST. Those MacGruder boys are yummy. You're both a good writer and good mentor and friend to others. Blessing for continued success in your writing career. You deserve all the best!

Diana Cosby said...

Nancy said... Hi Sarah and Diana!

~Hi Nancy, always fabulous to see you! If any reader isn't aware, Nancy is a fabulous writer of humorous Vampire Princess urban fantasy. I'm a fan!

What a wonderful interview!

~Thank you so much, the credit goes to Sarah who is such a nice person and makes each of our talks fun. :)

I'm blessed to know Diana thru writing, and adore her books. And, Sarah, you're so right about Diana being generous with her time and talents!

~*Hugs* Nancy, I feel the same, sincerely.

BTW, Sarah, I adore Regencies, so keep writing!

~^5

Light,

~Take care my friend, and I look forward to reading Cesca's next adventure with the upcoming Spring 2011 release!

~Take care, enjoy this last weekend of summer, and I wish you continued success! *Hugs*
Sincerely,

Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Diana Cosby said...

Caroline Clemmons said... Diana, I can hardly wait to read HIS CONQUEST.

~Thank you very much for stopping by, Caroline as your kind words. I sincerely hope you enjoy Seathan and Linet's journey. It was fabulous to see you last weekend, and am cheering on your release of, "Out of the Blue!" *Hugs*

Those MacGruder boys are yummy.

~They're amazing, at times have attitudes :), but are truly heroes.

You're both a good writer and good mentor and friend to others. Blessing for continued success in your writing career. You deserve all the best!

~My same sincere thoughts as wishes to you. I'm blessed to know you. *Hugs* Enjoy this last weekend of summer, and I wish you continued success!

Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Mary J. Forbes said...

Diana, my pal, I'm always fascinated by your interviews! That teacher in Hawaii had no clue about the writing essence of an author, imho. You not only create beautiful and intriguing stories, you are a master at the craft!

Love ya!
Mary

Diana Cosby said...

Mary J. Forbes said...
Diana, my pal, I'm always fascinated by your interviews!

~Hi Mary, thank you so much for taking the time to drop by and your kind words. I love your writing and you have the most in-depth, amazing characters!

That teacher in Hawaii had no clue about the writing essence of an author, imho. You not only create beautiful and intriguing stories, you are a master at the craft!

~*Hugs* My sincere thanks for your belief in me. I love to write and am humbled to do what I love.

Love ya!

~Love you as well. *Hugs* Enjoy this last weekend of summer, and I wish you continued success!

Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Maggie Toussaint said...

fooey on that @#$^% instructor at University of Hawaii for squashing your creativity. I'm so glad you bounced back, even more determined to show the world what a great storyteller you are.

Sorry to be so late. It's Friday, which means day job.

Maggie
MUDDY WATERS coming in October

Diana Cosby said...

Maggie Toussaint said...
fooey on that @#$^% instructor at University of Hawaii for squashing your creativity. I'm so glad you bounced back, even more determined to show the world what a great storyteller you are.

~I shared this as I think it's important for people to be aware of how their words can truly affect others choices.

Sorry to be so late. It's Friday, which means day job.

~I hear you. Thank you so much for dropping by, I sincerely appreciate your time. Always fabulous to see you. Maggie always inspires me. She's amazing on so many fronts! Congratulations on your upcoming release of, "Muddy Waters," in October! Enjoy this last weekend of summer my friend, and I wish you continued success!

Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Diana Cosby said...

My sincere thanks to Sarah for having me back on The Lovestruck Novice. Another huge thanks for everyone who took time out of their busy lives to say hi. Please believe in yourself and pursue your dreams. You can do anything if you only believe in yourself. Take care and I wish each of you every success! *Hugs*

Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist
* will check back incase anyone else posts.

Kathy said...

Hey Diana, I'm so looking forward to getting to meet you tomorrow. This was a great interview Sarah and I look forward to reading more about authors on your blog in the future. You did a great job of asking questions and letting the author give us the informaiton.

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...

Diana and Sarah,
Great to read the interview this evening. Wouldn't miss it for anything. You both have made my day. :-) Looking forward to your book, Diana! It can't get here soon enough.
Such an important lesson for all of us to keep pursuing our dreams even when others don't recognize the gifts we've been given.
Have a great weekend!
*Hugs*
Jeanmarie

Kaily Hart said...

Great interview, ladies. It never ceases to amaze me regarding the diverse backgrounds of our writers. Love really is without boundaries.

Kim in Baltimore said...

Aloha, Sarah and Diana! I could listen and read about Scotland forever! I have been fortunate to visit it twice in the past five years. Sadly, it is too far way from Hawaii. But sometimes Hawaii reminds me of Scotland - the rugged mountains, breathtaking coast, and the locals wear skirts, too!

I'm saving my pennies so I can join Diana on her book tour of Scotland!

Diana Cosby said...

Kathy said... Hey Diana, I'm so looking forward to getting to meet you tomorrow.

~Hi Kathy, it was fabulous to meet you as everyone else who attended the East Texas RWA workshop. I had a great time and sincerely hope that you as everyone took something away from my workshop that you found useful. I did go to the Celtic Music Festival after, and it was so neat. Great music, I met several really nice people, including a guy who could throw axes - yikes! *G* - and bought some neat Celtic earrings.

This was a great interview Sarah and I look forward to reading more about authors on your blog in the future. You did a great job of asking questions and letting the author give us the information.

~Thank you so much for your kind words. Sarah is such a nice person and makes the interviews flat out fun. :) Take care and enjoy this last Sunday of summer. I wish you every success!


Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Diana Cosby said...

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...Diana and Sarah,
Great to read the interview this evening. Wouldn't miss it for anything.

~Hi Jeanmarie, thank you so much for stopping by. It's always great to see you. Congratulations on the release of Moonlight Desperado!

You both have made my day. :-)

~Seeing you always makes mine. *Hugs* I'm blessed by your friendship.

Looking forward to your book, Diana! It can't get here soon enough.

~Thank you so much, I sincerely hope you enjoy Seathan and Linet's story as well. I'm excited to share that the first chapter of book #4 is at the end of His Conquest!

Such an important lesson for all of us to keep pursuing our dreams even when others don't recognize the gifts we've been given.

~Exactly.


Have a great weekend! *Hugs*

~You as well. Take care and enjoy this last Sunday of summer, and I wish you continued success! *Hugs*


Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Diana Cosby said...

Kaily Hart said... Great interview, ladies.

~Thank you so much, Kaily. Sarah is such a sweet and fun person. Her interviews are always a blast.

It never ceases to amaze me regarding the diverse backgrounds of our writers. Love really is without boundaries.

~I truly is. :) My sincere thanks for taking the time to stop by. Take care and enjoy this last Sunday of summer, and I wish you every success!


Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Diana Cosby said...

Kim in Hawaii said... Aloha, Sarah and Diana!

~Aloha, Kim! *Hugs* Always fabulous to see you my friend. *Hugs*

I could listen and read about Scotland forever!

~Is Scotland not A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! After my workshop yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a Celtic Music Festival. Several men were wearing kilts! :)

I have been fortunate to visit it twice in the past five years.

~I'm jealous in all good ways, and excited that in 2012 I will finally go there for a book signing tour. Woot!

Sadly, it is too far way from Hawaii. But sometimes Hawaii reminds me of Scotland - the rugged mountains, breathtaking coast, and the locals wear skirts, too!

~Hawaii definitely has its own charm as intrigue. The islands are steeped in history as stories passed through the generations.

I'm saving my pennies so I can join Diana on her book tour of Scotland!

~*Chuckle* You know, I've had A-LOT of people volunteer to go. My sincere thanks for stopping by and saying hi. Always wonderful to see you. Take care and enjoy this last Sunday of summer! *Hugs*


Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Sarah Simas said...

Well, hey, hey, hey!! I coming in late, but here at last! ;)

Sorry for delay, but my 3 hour Glucose test on Friday knocked me on my rear a little and yesterday was an early AM soccer game with my RWA meeting afterward. I feel like I live in my car!! LOL

I want to thank everyone for popping by and for all the super sweet words! It's no secret I adore Diana, so look for her to return one day soon. ;)

Hope everyone's weekend was awesome. I'm getting 3D pics this week of the baby and will post them ASAP!

Thanks, Diana, for holding down the fort for me. Big HUGS to you!!

Angi Morgan said...

Great interview...
Can't wait for the book...
but who's the hunk in the picture with you?

~~Angi

Diana Cosby said...

Sarah Simas said...
Well, hey, hey, hey!! I coming in late, but here at last! ;)
~*Hugs* Sara, thank you so much again for having me back!

Sorry for delay, but my 3 hour Glucose test on Friday knocked me on my rear a little and yesterday was an early AM soccer game with my RWA meeting afterward. I feel like I live in my car!! LOL
~:) I remember those days well.

I want to thank everyone for popping by and for all the super sweet words! It's no secret I adore Diana, so look for her to return one day soon. ;)
~*Hugs* It's sincerely my pleasure I assure you.

Hope everyone's weekend was awesome. I'm getting 3D pics this week of the baby and will post them ASAP!
~Neat!

Thanks, Diana, for holding down the fort for me. Big HUGS to you!!
~Thank you again for having me back, always fantastic. Take care and can't wait to see the 3d pics! *Hugs*


Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist

Diana Cosby said...

Angi Morgan said: Great interview...
~Hi Angi, thank you so much for stopping by and your kind words. Sarah always makes the interviews fun.

Can't wait for the book...

~I sincerely hope you enjoy Seathan and Linet's story!

but who's the hunk in the picture with you?

~Shawn runs a fitness club or two in my local area, is a personal trainer and is totally sweet. Thanks again for dropping by, and I wish you every success! *Hugs*


Diana - 2009 Booksellers Best Finalist